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Do I need to exit Thailand and re-enter for my DTV Visa to take effect?

DTV Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Application Process Visa Rules Expat Advice Re-entry Procedures

Jul 14, 2025

15 hours ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

The DTV took quite some time in Australia to get processed .

10 weeks .

Do i now need to exit Thailand and re enter for the DTV to take effect ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the necessity of exiting Thailand to activate their recently approved DTV visa after experiencing a lengthy processing period in Australia. Comments confirm that once the DTV is approved, the individual must leave Thailand and return to show the DTV approval to immigration, in order to receive the official DTV stamp. Observations on the visa process and experiences from others highlight the importance of being mindful of the visa rules, suggesting caution about leaving the application country while waiting for approval.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Tore *********

Thats a bit risky leaving AUS before approved. Technically breaking the visa conditions.

But yes, you have to leave and come back

12 hours ago

David ********

@Tore ********

where is it part of the visa application process. It doesn't say anywhere on DTV application you have to stay only that you must p apply outside Thailand

11 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

@David *******

Its an never ending debate here. So far only seen one embassy demand you stay in country (think was Turkey but cannot swear to it) rest like you say just say at time of application. But if do leave and they call for interview or ask for proof of location you obviously are ar risk of rejection if cannot comply. Many many people have left the country during application and got visa without issue.

Really it would be reasonable demand to stay in country when process is a few days, but 10 weeks or in some cases seen even longer, would be ridiculous

7 hours ago

Tore *********

@David *******

most of the time it goes ok, but ask the people that got rejected when asked for additional supporting documentation + proof of still being in the country applying via…..

10 hours ago

David ********

@Tore ********

cause they are morons and cannot follow application process so they don't submit correct docs

10 hours ago

Tore *********

@David *******

if you say so lol. But no, plenty of cases where all required documents was sent, but then they ask for more supporting documentation 🤷🏻‍♂️.

Morons are those that leave while application still pending……

This isn’t new, its been stated over and over you should stay in application country until approval . Just like you had to when applying in person. No difference 🤷🏻‍♂️. Its also states somewhere in a disclaimer you agree too when apply during the process. And its, you know : common sense…..

6 hours ago

Toni *******

@David *******

i agree with you, its not a rule, its recommended because if they ask for interview or something

9 hours ago

Toni *******

@David *******

ah nevermind we think the same, i said its recommended only...

9 hours ago

Reply to

Toni *******

@David *******

its only recommended

10 hours ago

David ********

@Toni ******

by who bar stool farang opinion only

10 hours ago

Toni *******

@David *******

dont claim something that is not true, or show the actual rule from government/immigration source....ok?

10 hours ago

Reply to

Toni *******

Anna *********

That’s very odd so many reports are that Australia is quick. Glad you finally got it.

13 hours ago

Andrew ********

Interesting As I thought Aus was pretty quick

14 hours ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andrew *******

yes i thought the same i was checking daily but no progress after about 8 weeks they asked for some additional information and was approved pretty quickly after that .

12 hours ago

Reply to

Mike *******

Anonymous ******************

What embassy? Syd or cambera?

14 hours ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 156 Canberra

12 hours ago

Reply to

Mike *******

James ********

So you applied for the DTV Visa in Australia...

Then left Australia while it was under consideration. (Which you were not supposed to do)

Entered Thailand as Visa Exempt Entry

Now the DTV Visa has been approved.

Leave Thailand and reenter using the DTV visa you received by email

Print out the DTV visa

Show it to the Thai Immigration Officer on arrival into Thailand

Suggest you also have copies of the documents used to apply for the DTV visa...as they could be asked for by the Thai Immigration Officer.

Good Luck 🍀

Where will you be doing the re-entry with your new DTV Visa ?

Choose your arrival method carefully...

14 hours ago

Toni *******

@James *******

staying in the country is recommended for certain reasons, but not demanded

10 hours ago

James ********

@Toni ******

it's a rule of the DTV visa application process.

9 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

do you recommend an arrival method .

I have to go back to Australia for around 6 weeks then i planned to fly back through Bangkok .

11 hours ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thank you appreciated.

I thought it would take a month at most and waited in Australia.

I told them my plans .

Will come back through Bangkok .

11 hours ago

Reply to

Mike *******

Anonymous ******************

Yes

15 hours ago

John **********

Yes

15 hours ago

Andrew ********

Yes, you have to be out of the country to process once approved leave thailand with the dtv letter come back in show it to immigration and you get a DTV stamp. Can be same day most goto Vietnam and come back

15 hours ago

Reply to

Andrew ********

How do I activate my DTV visa after coming to Thailand before its approval?

17 comments

24 days ago

Can I return to Thailand after submitting my DTV visa application and activate it later?

4 comments

3 months ago

What is the deadline to activate my DTV visa after entering Thailand on a tourist visa?

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4 months ago